Scripture: John 13
Learning Objectives:
- Students will review the story of Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles.
- Students will learn that foot washing was a dirty job usually done by servants.
- Students will learn that Jesus washed the feet of the Apostles to show us how to serve others.
- Students will participate in an activity to serve others.
Guiding Question: How can we learn to serve like Jesus?
Materials: basins, water, towels
Procedure: Review the story of Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles. Share with the students that foot washing was offered to anyone who entered a home. People usually had very dirty feet as they wore sandals. Usually this job was done by servants. Someone like Jesus would never have been expected to wash feet, especially of those following him. Ask the students how they might have felt if they were Jesus washing the feet of Peter or Judas (especially since Jesus knew what they were about to do.) Have the students wash the feet of another student. (Note: They will whine and complain. The purpose is for them to understand what a lowly “gross” job Jesus was willing to do even though He is the Son of God.) Ask the students to name groups of people others are often unwilling to serve. Have them come up with ideas of ways they can serve others every day in ways others may avoid.
Additional Question:
- What are other ways to serve people that few people are willing to do?
Supplemental Activity: Have the students interview older Christians about unusual or unpleasant ways they have served others and shared their faith. Have the students ask why they were able to do something others might not have done.